Bandoneon Massacre

Bandoneon Massacre

Bandoneon Massacre is a tango orquesta collective based in Champaign-Urbana, IL. The ensemble was founded in 2011 by tango dancer, dance instructor, and bandoneonist Joe Grohens as part of a group of tango dance enthusiasts who wanted to dive deep into the world of tango music and learn how to play it.

While its members have varied, the love for tango has been consistent. Over 50 professional and amateur musicians have been a part of the group, including members of the Champaign-Urbana tango dance community, local musicians, and university students.

The group has primarily studied tango dance music from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s alongside selections from contemporary tango music composers and arrangers. Bandoneon Massacre has performed in a wide variety of events and venues, bringing the joy and passion of tango music for dancing and for listening to milongas (tango social dances), schools, community events, bars and breweries, and more.

Voice
Tajal Patel
Jackie Ross

Violin
Amanda Ramey, music director
Andres Fradkin
Tamra Gingold
Basia Latawiec
Geoff Muckenhirn
Christina Tenison
Halim Beere
Amy Fry

Viola
Chantelle Hougland
Rebecca Saul
Dimitri Glaros
Isaac Henry

Cello
Jenny Johnson
Kirsten Landowne
Stephanie Tillman

Bandoneon
Ann Cusack
Joe Grohens
En-Chi Lin

Clarinet
Kelly Bradham

Guitar
Gosia Konwerska

Piano
Christen Mercier
Rob Sweedler

Bass
Vanessa Gabl
Kalah Weber

Special Guests
Violin
Julia Driscoll
Ben Medina

Bandoneon
Craig Herrington

Bass
Pablo Zavettieri